Online golf apparel and accessories retailer Hole19 has announced the launch of an innovative new e-commerce store.
The platform is designed to connect golf’s best brands to the Hole19 audience, leveraging best-in-class technology and a revolutionary business model in golf.
“Our promise to golfers is an unparalleled customer experience, and we're leveraging our bespoke technology stack to provide every visitor with a dedicated pro shop and a completely unique on-site experience,” says Chris Somerton, Head of E-Commerce at Hole19. “We achieve this by taking into account the unique personal preferences of each golfer, and translating these into a more relevant and engaging shopping experience. The result is an experience completely different to anything offered in golf retail today.”
The platform acts as an extension of Hole19's partner brands' direct-to-consumer channels, meaning brand partners have full control over the assortment and pricing of products offered on the platform. The benefit of this model for golfers is that Hole19 can offer a much wider range of products than traditional retailers, across every category, from tees to simulators.
The platform will initially launch in the UK and is expected to expand to the EU by the end of 2024 and the US in Q2 2025.
“Empowerment is a key part of Hole19's objective for both golfers and brand partners,” Somerton said. “Our new e-commerce platform offers golfers and partners a fully personalized shopping experience by leveraging a commerce model that puts control firmly back in the hands of the brands.”
There is no cost to brands to integrate or transact on the platform, a key takeaway for Hole19 CEO and Founder Anthony Douglas: “Our platform is designed to cater to everyone, from the most established brands to those new to the industry. We know how difficult it is to achieve growth in golf and are actively removing the barriers to entry to reach our audience, giving brands new avenues of growth within the golf world.”
In 2024, Hole 19 Group will undergo a major strategic shift with brand partnerships as a primary focus. “E-commerce allows us to further build on the strength of our partnerships with leading players in the industry,” adds Douglas. “In 2024, we're focused on doing more with less, which means working more closely with select partners across Hole 19 Group to create more meaningful and relevant experiences for golfers.”
Brands that partner with Hole19 gain unique and comprehensive customer insights, from marketing engagement to shopping behavior. At a time when golf fans are at their most diverse, this 360-degree view of their customers is invaluable for brands looking to make informed, data-driven decisions when building their commercial strategies.
The Hole19 Store is available at www.hole19golf.com/shop
